I made this project for Jon and Lauren’s wedding last year at Veritas (photograph above by Elizabeth Messina). Before we get started, if you need a refresher on the difference between place cards and table cards, you can revisit this post.

The first image in the post shows you the final product. The image above shows you the materials…

1. Wooden crate I found the wooden crate used here at Smith & Hawken’s very sad but very rewarding store closing sale. You could craft something similar or use a vintage wooden crate.

2. Heavy gauge copper wire. Look for it at craft stores.

3. Needle nose pliers.

4. Green styrofoam. Also at craft stores, my dears.

5. Reindeer moss. Ditto on the craft stores.

6. Small hand saw. Good for carving pumpkins when not carving foam. Available at Lowe’s.

7. Acorns, pine cones, etc. Not pictured in the materials shot. Good to nest around the crate when it’s displayed.

8. Tented escort cards. Not pictured, but available at paper source.

First step: Cut foam to the width and depth of your wooden crate, creating an even surface that’s almost flush with the top of the crate.

Second step: Cover foam with reindeer moss.

Third step: The copper wire will become the table card holder. You’ll need about 5″ per holder. Cut a piece to size now, and pick up your needle nose pliers.

Fourth step: Griping the wire with needle nose pliers, gently turn one end of the wire around and around again, clockwise, until you have two circles.

Fifth step: Release your needle nose pliers from the grip of the wire. Smooth the rough edge of the wire, and gently pry your two circles apart. You’ll see you have a place where you can insert the card.

Last step: Count the number of cards and plot out your rows.

Voila! You’re finished. Place your cards alphabetically in the crate. When you’re ready to display, nestle the crate in spanish moss with acorns and pine cones.

{first image courtesy elizabeth messina; how-to photos courtesy katie stoops photography}